Rockdale WisconsinATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rockdale, Wisconsin.
1. CamRock Park
NATURAL BEAUTY ALONG CREEK
CamRock Park offers a scenic outdoor experience with Koshkonong Creek flowing through its center. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and fishing in the creek waters. The park is a perfect gateway to experience the natural beauty that surrounds the Village of Rockdale.
2. Koshkonong Creek Trail
SCENIC THREE-MILE PATH
Koshkonong Creek Trail provides a three-mile groomed pedestrian path meandering along the creek all the way to Cambridge. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy walks, bike rides, and wildlife observation along this scenic route. During winter, the trail transforms into a multi-use area attracting cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and winter trail bikers.
3. Alliant Energy Center
MAJOR EVENTS COMPLEX
The Alliant Energy Center is a premier multi-building complex just 18 miles from Rockdale that hosts a diverse range of events throughout the year. The center features exhibition halls, an arena, and conference spaces that accommodate everything from concerts to trade shows. Visitors can experience Wisconsin's largest events including the World Dairy Expo and Midwest Horse Fair at this expansive venue.
4. Camp Randall Stadium
HISTORIC FOOTBALL VENUE
Camp Randall Stadium stands as an iconic sports venue where the Wisconsin Badgers football team plays their home games. The stadium, with a capacity of over 80,000, offers an electric atmosphere especially during the famous 'Jump Around' tradition between the third and fourth quarters. Beyond football, the historic site served as a Union Army training camp during the Civil War, adding cultural significance to any visit.
5. Overture Center for the Arts
CULTURAL HUB DOWNTOWN
The Overture Center for the Arts serves as Madison's premier cultural arts facility featuring multiple performance spaces under one roof. Visitors can enjoy Broadway shows, symphony performances, dance recitals, and visual arts exhibitions throughout the year. The architectural marvel spans an entire city block in downtown Madison and hosts over half a million visitors annually.
6. Kohl Center
PREMIER SPORTS ARENA
The Kohl Center stands as the home arena for University of Wisconsin basketball and hockey teams, offering thrilling sporting events throughout their seasons. The venue's modern design provides excellent sightlines from all seats, creating an intimate yet energetic atmosphere for spectators. Beyond collegiate sports, the arena hosts concerts, commencement ceremonies, and other special events throughout the year.
7. Midwest Horse Fair
EQUESTRIAN EXTRAVAGANZA
The Midwest Horse Fair, scheduled for April 11-13, 2025, is one of the largest three-day horse fairs in America, attracting equestrian enthusiasts from across the region. Visitors can explore hundreds of vendors, educational clinics, breed showcases, and spectacular entertainment events centered around horse culture. The fair combines competitive events, shopping opportunities, and family-friendly activities at the Alliant Energy Center, just 18 miles from Rockdale.
8. Tandem Press
FINE ART PRINT STUDIO
Tandem Press operates as a professional print studio affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Madison art department, producing limited edition fine art prints. Visitors can attend special events like the Friday Jazz Series and Tandem Talks featuring artist discussions and collection viewings including David Lynch's prints. The studio serves as both a working printmaking facility and educational resource, connecting internationally recognized artists with students and the community.
9. Wisconsin Alpaca & Fiber Fest
TEXTILE ARTS CELEBRATION
The Wisconsin Alpaca & Fiber Fest scheduled for April 2025 celebrates the fiber arts community with demonstrations, competitions, and vendor booths. Visitors can meet alpacas up close, learn about fiber processing, and shop for unique handmade products from local artisans. The festival provides educational opportunities for both experienced fiber artists and curious newcomers interested in sustainable textile production.
10. Spring Fling Market
CRAFT & VENDOR FAIR
The Spring Fling Market, scheduled for April 26, 2025, brings together local crafters and vendors for a vibrant shopping experience. Visitors can browse through handmade crafts, unique gifts, home decor, jewelry, and specialty food products created by regional artisans. The market offers a perfect opportunity to support small businesses while discovering one-of-a-kind treasures for the spring season.
11. Madison College Annual Spring Powwow
INDIGENOUS CULTURAL CELEBRATION
The Madison College Annual Spring Powwow, taking place on April 26, 2025, celebrates Native American culture through traditional dancing, drumming, and singing. Visitors can experience authentic indigenous arts and crafts, sample traditional foods, and witness spectacular regalia during the grand entries and dance competitions. The powwow serves as both a cultural gathering for tribal communities and an educational experience for the general public seeking to learn about indigenous traditions.
12. MSO After Dark: LEGO Building Competition
CREATIVE BUILDING CHALLENGE
The MSO After Dark: LEGO Building Competition scheduled for April 11, 2025, combines creativity with fun in a unique evening event hosted by the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Participants can showcase their building skills while competing for prizes in various categories, all while enjoying musical accompaniment. The event offers adults a playful night out that merges artistic expression through both music and LEGO construction.
13. Empire Brass Celebration
ORGAN CONCERT SERIES
The Empire Brass Celebration with Greg Zelek, scheduled for April 3, 2025, marks the 20th season of the Overture Concert Organ series. Attendees can experience the magnificent sounds of brass instruments combined with the power of the grand organ in this special performance. The concert offers a unique musical experience featuring virtuosic performances in the excellent acoustics of Overture Hall.
14. Winter Farmers Market
LOCAL FOODS INDOOR MARKET
The Winter Farmers Market scheduled for November 9, 2024, provides a warm indoor venue for local farmers and producers to sell their goods during the colder months. Visitors can shop for fresh, seasonal produce, artisanal foods, handcrafted items, and specialty products directly from the people who make them. The market creates a community gathering space just 18 miles from Rockdale where food enthusiasts can connect with local agriculture even during Wisconsin's winter season.
15. Vietnam War Film Screening
HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY EVENT
The 'Just Like Me: The Vietnam War/The American War' Film Screening scheduled for April 5, 2025, offers a powerful documentary experience examining perspectives from both sides of the conflict. Viewers will gain insight into the human experience of war through personal stories and historical footage rarely presented together. The screening provides an educational opportunity for reflection and understanding of this complex chapter in American and Vietnamese history.